Container and retaining system

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments provide a container and retaining system that includes a container including a top surface. A retaining apparatus is coupled to the top surface of the container, wherein the retaining apparatus is configured to retain an elongate object. A handle is rotatably coupled to the top surface of the container, wherein the handle is positionable in a first handle position and a second handle position when the retaining apparatus retains the elongate object.

BACKGROUND

The transportation of tools or recreational items may be difficult orcumbersome at times. Larger or awkwardly shaped items do not always lendthemselves to storage or transportation in combination with smalleritems that need to be used in conjunction with or around the larger orawkwardly shaped items. Transporting a larger item that is not suitedfor a container may result in the larger item being misplaced or gettingleft behind. Significant amounts of time may be lost looking formisplaced items or having to return for an item left behind.

Small tasks or activities may only require a small tool box withsupplies and a larger item that will not fit in the small tool box.Items such as a medium sized hammer, a framing square, or a level may betoo large or may take up too much space inside smaller tool boxes.Further, a person may want to organize and/or transport small partsrequired for a hobby activity while still having a large or medium sizedtool or required piece of equipment that is not easy to transport.

A fishing rod is not an item that may be normally stored within a tacklebox and a user carrying the fishing rod and the tackle box may have adifficult time carrying any other supplies needed. Further, transportingsupplies and equipment to a fishing location may require travelingthrough wooded areas or over terrain that does not invite multiple tripsfor supplies.

Some storage and transportation solutions known in the art haveattempted to overcome these difficulties in a variety of ways. Onemethod is to include a handle coupled to a container having retentionmeans for a fishing rod built into the handle. This method unfortunatelydoes not allow the handle to be repositionable while transporting thefishing rod. Another deficiency is that the weight of the fishing rodwill cause the handle to tip over and pin the fishing rod against thelid of the container. Another solution utilizes padded locking clipsthat completely encircle portions of the fishing rod. This methodrequires complex locking clips that must be secured or releasedsequentially to mount or retrieve the fishing rod.

Therefore, there is a need for a storage and transportation systemcapable of storing and transporting a large or awkwardly shaped toolthat is positioned in such a way so as to not interfere with thecarrying handle, while at the same time allowing for easy and quickinsertion and removal. There is also a need for a storage andtransportation system that is able to function as a fishing rod holderwhile the fishing rod is being used.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments provide a container and retaining system that includesa container having a top surface. A retaining apparatus is coupled tothe top surface of the container, wherein the retaining apparatus isconfigured to retain an elongate object. A handle is rotatably coupledto the top surface of the container, wherein the handle is positionablein a first handle position and a second handle position when theretaining apparatus retains the elongate object.

Some other embodiments provide a container and retaining system. Thesystem includes a container having a lid and a base, wherein thecontainer defines an interior volume. A retaining apparatus is coupledto the lid of the container, wherein the retaining apparatus isconfigured to retain an elongate object. A handle is rotatably coupledto the lid of the container, wherein the handle is positionable in afirst handle position and a second handle position, and wherein thehandle includes handle axle portions configured to cooperate with atleast a portion of both of the lid and the retaining apparatus to couplethe retaining apparatus to the lid.

Still further embodiments include a method of securing an object to acontainer. The method includes the steps of providing a container havinga base and a lid with a rotatable handle, providing a retainingapparatus that includes a plurality of retaining arms, and securing theretaining apparatus to the lid adjacent the handle. The method furtherincludes the steps of positioning the object adjacent the plurality ofretaining arms, applying a downward force on the object causing theobject to contact the plurality of retaining arms and deflect outwardly,and releasing the force on the object to cause the retaining arms tomove inwardly to contact the object.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent in lightof the following detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container and retaining systemaccording to one embodiment with a handle in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the container and retaining system ofFIG. 1 with the handle in the first configuration;

FIG. 3 is a side isometric view of the container and retaining system ofFIG. 1 with the handle in a second configuration;

FIG. 4 is rear isometric view of the container and retaining system ofFIG. 1 with the handle in the second configuration;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the retaining apparatusof the container and retaining system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the retaining apparatus of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the retaining apparatus of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the of the retaining apparatus ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a rear isometric view of the container of the container andretaining system of FIG. 1 with the handle and retaining apparatusremoved;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the container of the container andretaining system of FIG. 1 with the handle and retaining apparatusremoved;

FIG. 11 is an isometric exploded view of the container and retainingsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a partial isometric view of a portion of the container ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is another partial isometric view of the portion of thecontainer of FIG. 9 having the retaining apparatus attached, a portionof which is visible; and

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the container and retaining system ofFIG. 1, with a fishing rod inserted into the retaining apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modificationsto the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of theinvention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to belimited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Thefollowing detailed description is to be read with reference to thefigures, in which like elements in different figures have like referencenumerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope ofembodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize theexamples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall withinthe scope of embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a container and retaining system 100 according toone embodiment of the invention. The container and retaining system 100includes a container 102 provided in the form of a substantiallyrectilinear box having a lid 104 and a base 106 that supports the lid104. The lid 104 and the base 106 define a space (not shown) designed tohold a variety of items. The lid 104 includes a rotatable handle 108that is depicted in a first position in FIGS. 1 and 2, and in a secondposition in FIGS. 3 and 4. The lid 104 is rotatably coupled to the base106 by a hinge mechanism 110 disposed on a side of the container 102.The container 102 further includes a hasp or locking mechanism 112 thatallows the lid 104 to be releasably locked to the container 102.

The container and retaining system 100 also includes a retainingapparatus 114 coupled to the lid 104 of the container 102. Theembodiment of the container and retaining system 100 depicted herein isdesigned to be used as a tackle box for fishing equipment. The retainingapparatus 114 is configured in the present embodiment to retain anelongate object such as a fishing rod 116 (see FIG. 14). It iscontemplated that the elongate object may include at least one dimensionthat prevents the elongate object from being stored within the spacedefined by the lid 104 and the base 106. In one embodiment, thecontainer 102 and the retaining apparatus 114 may be sold together. Inanother embodiment, the container 102 and retaining apparatus 114 may besold as separate individual components.

In the present embodiment, the container 102 may be about 12 to about 14inches long, about 6 inches tall, and about 7 inches deep. In someembodiments the container 102 may be larger or smaller as necessarydepending on the intended function of the container 102 and the size orquantity of items to be placed inside. The shape of the container 102 isnot limited to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-14, but may take anyshape that is possible or useful for the task or function of thecontainer 102. One having ordinary skill in the art would understand thedifferent shapes possible for the container 102 configured for differentactivities and tasks. In the present embodiment, the container 102 maybe constructed out of injected molded plastics. In other embodiments,the container 102 may be constructed from other types of materials, suchas, wood, metal, and numerous types of synthetic materials. It is alsocontemplated that the handle 108 and the retaining apparatus 114 may beconstructed from numerous types of materials as well. In someembodiments, the components of the container and retaining system 100may all be constructed of the same or similar materials (e.g., injectedmolded plastics). In other embodiments, it is contemplated that thecontainer 102 may be metal while the handle 108 and the retainingapparatus 114 may be synthetic materials. One having ordinary skill inthe art would understand that different materials may be utilized fordifferent components of the container and retaining system 100 asrequired by the expected application.

Now referring to FIGS. 5-8, the retaining apparatus 114 is depicted. Theretaining apparatus 114 includes a base member 120 having a firstsurface 122 and an opposing second surface 124. The base member 120further includes a first side 126 and an opposing second side 128. Thebase member 120 defines a plane that includes a longitudinal axis 130(see FIG. 7) of the base member 120 and the first side 126 and thesecond side 128 are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 130 ofthe base member 120. A first end 132 and an opposed second end 134 ofthe base member 120 are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis130.

A securement mechanism in the form of one or more retaining arms isprovided on the base member 120. As shown in FIG. 5, a first retainingarm 136 and a second retaining arm 138 protrude upwardly from the secondside 128 of the base member 120. A third retaining arm 140 is disposedbetween the first retaining arm 136 and the second retaining arm 138 andextends upwardly from the first surface 122 adjacent the first side 126of the base member 120. Additionally, a first coupling member 142 and asecond coupling member 144 protrude downwardly from the first side 126of the base member 120. The retaining arms 136, 138, 140 are designed toact as securement mechanism for an object retained by the container andretaining system 100.

As depicted in FIGS. 5-8, the first, second, and third retaining arms136, 138, 140 comprise the primary method by which the retainingapparatus 114 retains an elongate object such as the fishing rod 116.The first retaining arm 136 and the second retaining arm 138 eachinclude a curved section 150 and are coupled to the base member 120 atbottom portions 152 of the curved section 150. Each curved section 150extends upwardly and terminates at an upper portion 154 having adeflection member 156 extending therefrom. The third retaining arm 140also includes a curved section 150 having a bottom portion 152 and anupper portion 154. A deflection member 156 also extends from the upperportion 154 of the curved section 150 of the third retaining arm 140. Asubstantially flat flange portion 158 couples the third retaining arm140 to the first surface 122 of base member 120. The flange portion 158of the third retaining arm 140 projects substantially perpendicular fromthe first surface 122 of the base member 120.

The curved portions 150 of the first retaining arm 136 and the secondretaining arm 138 open toward the third retaining arm 140. Likewise, thecurved section 150 of the third retaining arm 140 opens in an oppositedirection toward the first retaining arm 136 and the second retainingarm 138. A retention volume 160 (see FIG. 8) is generally defined by thefirst surface 122 of the base member 120 and the curved portions 150 ofthe first retaining arm 136, the second retaining arm 138, and the thirdretaining arm 140. An entrance aperture 162 is generally defined by thedeflection members 156 of the first retaining arm 136, the secondretaining arm 138, and the third retaining arm 140.

It is contemplated that the defection members 156 may be flat and angledaway from the entrance aperture 162 in some embodiments. Alternatively,as depicted in the present embodiment, the deflection members 156 may becurved. The shape and/or configuration of the deflection members 156 iscontemplated as assisting in the insertion and retention of an elongateobject into the retention volume 160. Furthermore, it is contemplatedthat the curvature of the curved portions 150 may be configured toaccept different sized objects. The curved section 150 of the firstretaining arm 136 may be at least partially defined by a radius ofcurvature R₁ (see FIG. 8). Likewise, the curved portions 150 of thesecond retaining arm 138 and the third retaining arm 140 may be at leastpartially defined by the radiuses R₂ and R₃, respectively. It iscontemplated that the radiuses R₁, R₂, and R₃ may all be equal in oneembodiment. In other embodiments the radiuses R₁, R₂, and R₃ may all bedifferent. It is also contemplated that the connection of the deflectionmembers 156 to the upper portions 154 of the curved portions 150 may bein the form of an inflection point (i.e., where the curve of the curvedportions 150 fluidly transitions into the curve of the deflection member156). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the transitions from thecurved portions 150 to the deflection members 156 may be sharp anddistinct. One having ordinary skill in the art would understand thatchanging the configuration or dimensions of one or more of the retainingarms 136, 138, 140 would allow for the retention of different sized orconfigured elongate objects (not shown).

Still referring to FIGS. 5-8, the first coupling member 142 and thesecond coupling member 144 extend from the first side 126 of the basemember 120 proximate to the first end 132 and the second end 134,respectively, of the base member 120. The first coupling member 142 andthe second coupling member 144 each include a horizontal extensionportion 170 that protrudes from the first side 126 and connects tocurved portions 172. Leg members 174 extend downwardly from each of thecurved portions 172 and are generally perpendicular relative to thefirst surface 122 of the base member 120. Both the first coupling member142 and the second coupling member 144 further include foot portions 176that extend from the leg members 174. The leg members 174 are connectedto the curved portions 172 at upper ends 178 of the leg members 174. Thefoot portions 176 connect to the leg members 174 at lower ends 180 ofthe leg members 174.

The first coupling member 142 and the second coupling member 144 eachinclude a generally rectilinear coupling flange 182 that extends fromfront surfaces 184 of the leg members 174 and top surfaces 186 of thefoot portions 176. Each coupling flange 182 includes a mating surface188 that is substantially parallel to the front surface 184 of each ofthe leg members 174. The front surfaces 184 and the mating surfaces 188of the first coupling member 142 and the second coupling member 144 aresubstantially perpendicular to the first surface 122 of the base member120. Each coupling flange 182 also includes a curved coupling surface190, the function of which will be discussed later. Generally, thecurved coupling surface 190 may be used with features of the container102, which will be described below, to couple the retaining apparatus114 to the container 102.

It is also contemplated that the configuration and arrangement of theretaining arms 136, 138, 140 may be adjusted for retention of differentitems or tools. In some embodiments there may be more retaining arms.For example, there may be opposed pairs of retaining arms distributedalong the length of the base member 120. In other embodiments, a singlepair of opposed retaining arms may be located on the base member 120. Inthe present embodiment, the retaining arms 136, 138, 140 are disposedalong the base member 120 in a staggered configuration. It is alsocontemplated that in some embodiments with more retaining arms thestaggered arrangement could continue to facilitate retention of largeror heavier items or tools.

Now turning to FIGS. 9 and 10, the container 102 is depicted without thehandle 108 and the retaining apparatus 114. The lid 104 is defined byexterior sidewalls 210 and a top surface 212. A substantially c-shapedrecess 214 is included in the lid 104 and defined by a central portion216, recess end walls 218, two opposing recess side walls 220, and asubstantially flat recess bottom surface 222. The recess 214 furtherincludes two handle retention sections 224 and a handle storage section226. A close-up view of one of the handle retention sections 224 isdepicted in FIGS. 12 and 13. The handle retention sections 224 of therecess 214 are defined by the recess end walls 218, portions of therecess side walls 220 and recess bottom surface 222, and side portions228 of the central portion 216 of the top surface 212. The handlestorage section 226 is defined by portions of the recess side walls 220and recess bottom surface 222, and a base wall 230 of the centralportion 216 of the top surface 212.

Now turning to FIG. 11, an exploded view of the container and retainingsystem 100 is depicted. The handle 108 includes a gripping mechanism240, which is configured to be gripped by a users hand (not shown) tocarry the container and retaining system 100. The handle also includestwo mounting elements 242 extending from ends 244 of the grippingmechanism 240. Distal ends 246 of the mounting elements 242 are formedinto cylindrical axles 248, which extend inwardly toward each other anddefine an opening sized to receive the central portion 216 so that theaxles 248 are positioned in the handle retention sections 224 of the lid104.

Now turning to FIG. 12, a detailed view of one of the handle retentionsections 224 of the recess 214 is depicted. A handle mounting projection256 extends upwardly in a substantially perpendicular direction from therecess bottom surface 222 and includes a mating surface 258 and a curvedaxle surface 260. The side portions 228 of the central portion 216include channels 262 defined by a lower channel wall 264, an upperchannel wall 266 (see FIGS. 2 & 9), a side channel wall 268 (see FIG.13), and a curved channel end wall 270. A peak 272 of the handlemounting projection 256 extends above the lower channel wall 264 (seeFIGS. 2 & 9).

Turning now to FIG. 13, another detailed view of one of the handleretention sections 224 is depicted with the first coupling member 142 ofthe retaining apparatus 114 inserted so that the foot portion 176 ispositioned between the handle mounting projection 256 and the recess endwall 218. The mating surface 188 of the coupling flange 182 is proximateto the mating surface 258 of the handle mounting projection 256. Theclose proximity of the mating surfaces 188, 258 causes an axle pocket280 to be formed by the curved axle surface 260 of the handle mountingprojection 256 and the curved coupling surface 190 of the couplingflange 182.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the assembly of the container and retainingsystem 100 is as follows. The retaining apparatus 114 is positioned suchthat the first coupling member 142 and the second coupling member 144extend into the handle retention sections 224 of the recess 214. Thefoot portions 176 are positioned between the handle mounting projections256 and the recess end walls 218 so that the mating surface 188 of thecoupling flange 182 is proximate to the mating surface 258 of the handlemounting projection 256. The handle 108 is positioned so that thecylindrical axles 248 are positioned within the channels 262. The handle108 is inserted into the recess 214 until the cylindrical axles 248contact the handle mounting projections 256. The cylindrical 248 areslightly larger than the clearance between the peak 272 of the handlemounting projection 256 and the upper channel wall 266. Applying a forceto the handle gripping mechanism 240 generally in the direction of the Farrow (see FIG. 11) results in the deflection of the upper channel walls266 and the handle mounting projections 256 to allow the cylindricalaxles 248 to be positioned into the axle pockets 280. Once thecylindrical axles 248 are positioned in the axle pockets 280, the upperchannel walls 266 and the handle mounting projections 256 willresiliently return to their original positions retaining the cylindricalaxles 248 within the axle pockets 280.

Once the handle 108 has been inserted such that the cylindrical axles248 are retained in the axle pockets 280, the container and retainingsystem 100 assembly is complete. The handle 108 may be rotated between afirst position as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a second position asdepicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. The first position is primarily a transportposition where the handle 108 is substantially upright and allows for auser to grip the handle to transport the container and retainingapparatus system 100. The second position is primarily a storageposition for when the handle is not required and is disposed adjacent anupper surface of the lid 104. The retaining apparatus 114 is therebycoupled to the lid 104 by the cylindrical axles 248 position over thecurved coupling surfaces 190. The handle 108 may be coupled to the lid104 even when the retaining apparatus 114 is not installed. Thecylindrical axles 248 are constrained within the axle pocket 280 by thecurved channel end wall 270, the upper channel wall 266, and the curvedaxle surface 260 of the handle mounting projection 256. In someembodiments, the retaining apparatus 114 is integral with the container102, lid 104, and/or handle 108 and is unable to be removed.

Now referring to FIG. 14, the container and retaining system 100 isdepicted with a portion of the fishing rod 116 inserted into theretaining apparatus 114. The process of inserting the portion of thefishing rod 116 into the retention volume 160 through entrance aperture162 is as follows. A user (not shown) presses the portion of fishing rod116 to be retained against the deflection members 156 of the firstretaining arm 136, the second retaining arm 138, and the third retainingarm 140 simultaneously. Applying pressure to the fishing rod 116 willcause one or more of the retaining arms 136, 138, and 140 to elasticallydeform outwardly away from the retention volume 160. This deflectionallows the entrance aperture 162 to enlarge and a portion of the fishingrod 116 passes through the entrance aperture 162 into the retentionvolume 160. The fishing rod 116 is retained within the retention volume160 by the first retaining arm 136, the second retaining arm 138, andthe third retaining arm 140 resiliently bending and applying pressure tothe portions of the fishing rod 116 in contact with the curved sections150.

It is contemplated that the fishing rod 116 may be removed from theretaining apparatus 114 by the following process. The user presses onthe deflection member 156 of the third retaining arm 140 causing thethird retaining arm 140 to resiliently bend and reducing the pressureapplied to the fishing rod 116. The user then pulls upward with a freehand on the fishing rod 116 causing further resilient bending of theretaining arms 136, 138, and 140 that enlarges the entrance aperture 162and allows the removal of the fishing rod 116 from the retention volume160.

It is contemplated that the container and retaining system 100 may beused to transport fishing tackle stored within the container 102 and thefishing rod 116 secured in the retaining apparatus 114. For example, thecontainer and retaining system 100 may be transported by hand from auser's automobile to a fishing location with one hand. The user can thenuse the other free hand for other items. By having the container andretaining system 100, the user may be capable of easily carrying all thenecessary supplies for an enjoyable and productive fishing experience.The container and retaining system 100 may also be used to retain thefishing rod 116 while the user is fishing. After the user has employedthe fishing rod 116 to deploy fishing tackle (i.e., a bobber and a fishhook with bait), the user may place the fishing rod 116 back in theretaining apparatus 114 until a fish is attracted by the bait on thehook.

It is also contemplated that the container and retaining system 100 mayhave different configurations than the embodiment of the presentapplication. In some embodiments, the container 102 may be configured asa bucket having a lid (not shown) and the retaining apparatus 114 may beconfigured similarly to retain the fishing rod 116. The bucket may befilled with water to act as a live well for bait fish or to keep thefish caught throughout a fishing trip. In some embodiments, thecontainer may be configured as a tool box and the retaining apparatus114 may be configured to retain a hammer or a level. One having ordinaryskill in the art would understand that the container and retainingsystem 100 may be configured to perform numerous types of storage andretention functions.

It is also contemplated that most or all of the components may be formedby injection molding of synthetic polymer materials. However, it isunderstood that one or more of the components could be made of differentmaterials or formed by different process. One having ordinary skill inthe art would understand the different methods and materials availableto manufacture different configurations of the container and retainingapparatus system 100 for the different and varied applications.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while theinvention has been described above in connection with particularembodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited,and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications anddepartures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to beencompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of eachpatent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as ifeach such patent or publication were individually incorporated byreference herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A container and retaining system,comprising: a container including a top surface defining a recess; aretaining apparatus coupled to the top surface of the container, whereinthe retaining apparatus is configured to retain an elongate object, andwherein the retaining apparatus includes a base having one or moredownwardly protruding coupling members; and a handle rotatably coupledto the top surface of the container, wherein the handle is positionablein a first handle position and a second handle position when theretaining apparatus retains the elongate object, and wherein a portionof the handle retains the one or more downwardly protruding couplingmembers within the recess, thereby coupling the retaining apparatus tothe container.
 2. The container and retaining system of claim 1, whereinthe first handle position is a configuration for transporting theelongate object.
 3. The container and retaining system of claim 1,wherein the first handle position is defined by the handle protrudingupwardly in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to aplane defined by the top surface of the container.
 4. The container andretaining system of claim 1, wherein the second handle position is aconfiguration for storage of the handle during use of the retainingapparatus.
 5. The container and retaining system of claim 1, wherein thesecond handle position is defined by the handle in a substantially flatconfiguration adjacent the top surface of the container.
 6. Thecontainer and retaining system of claim 1, wherein the retainingapparatus further includes a plurality of retaining arms extendingupwardly from a base member.
 7. The container and retaining apparatussystem of claim 6, wherein the plurality of retaining arms protrudeupwardly away from the top surface of the container.
 8. The containerand retaining system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of retaining armsare each made of a material that is resiliently flexible.
 9. Thecontainer and retaining system of claim 6, wherein two retaining armsprotrude upwardly from a first side of the base member and one retainingarm protrudes upwardly from a second side of the base member.
 10. Acontainer and retaining system, comprising: a container including a lidand a base, the lid defines a recess, and wherein the container definesan interior volume; a retaining apparatus coupled to the lid of thecontainer, wherein the retaining apparatus is configured to retain anelongate object; and a handle rotatably coupled to the lid of thecontainer, wherein the handle is positionable in a first handle positionand a second handle position, and wherein the handle includes handleaxle portions that extend from distal ends of the handle and areconfigured to cooperate with at least a portion of both of the recess ofthe lid and lower portions of the retaining apparatus to couple theretaining apparatus to the lid; and wherein cooperating lower portionsof the retaining apparatus are positioned between the handle axleportions and cooperating portions of the recess of the lid.
 11. Thecontainer and retaining system of claim 10, wherein the elongate objectincludes at least one dimension large enough to prevent storage withinthe interior volume of the container.
 12. The container and retainingsystem of claim 10, wherein the elongate object is a fishing pole. 13.The container and retaining system of claim 10, wherein the retainingapparatus is removable from lid.
 14. The container and retaining systemof claim 10, wherein the retaining apparatus includes a plurality ofresilient retaining arms protruding upwardly from the lid.
 15. A methodof securing an object to a container, comprising: providing a containerhaving a base and a lid with a rotatable handle, wherein the lid definesa recess; providing a retaining apparatus that includes a base having aplurality of retaining arms that protrude upwardly from the base and oneor more downwardly protruding coupling members; positioning the one ormore downwardly protruding coupling members of the retaining apparatusin the recess; securing the retaining apparatus to the lid by insertinga portion of the rotatable handle into the recess adjacent the one ormore downwardly protruding coupling members; positioning the objectadjacent the plurality of retaining arms; applying a downward force onthe object causing the object to contact the plurality of retaining armsand to deflect outwardly; and releasing the force on the object to causethe plurality of retaining arms to move inwardly to contact the object.16. The method of claim 15 further including the step of rotating thehandle from a first position to a second position while the object isretained within the plurality of retaining arms.
 17. The method of claim15 further including the step of opening the lid while the object isretained within the plurality of retaining arms.
 18. The method of claim15 further including the step of providing three retaining arms on theretaining apparatus.
 19. The method of claim 15 further including thestep of securing the retaining apparatus to the lid such that theplurality of retaining arms protrude upwardly with respect to the lid.